Carlo Ancelotti reigns supreme, pulling €10 million a year with Brazil, while Luis de la Fuente and Zinedine Zidane trail far behind. The gap widens dramatically when Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, fresh from historic triumphs, earns just €2.3 million. How can such success be so poorly compensated?
Transfermarkt’s data shows national sides now match club-level salaries, locking big‑name coaches into long deals as they chase World Cup glory.
Ancelotti leads the pack, pocketing €10 million ($11.7 m) yearly for Brazil, a contract that runs to 2030 and gives the five‑time Champions League winner a rare, stable project.
Jurgen Klopp follows with Germany at €7 million ($8.2 m), three million shy of Ancelotti. Mauricio Pochettino ranks third for the United States at €6.8 million ($8 m), while Thomas Tuchel earns €6 million ($7 m) with England.
Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil.
The figures reveal how eager federations are to splurge on proven talent. In my view, they’re overpaying fame at the expense of merit, rewarding reputation as much as results.
The top 10 reveals a fascinating financial divide
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente sits fifth with €5 million ($5.9 m) a year, contract lasting to 2032. Portugal’s Jorge Jesus and Italy’s Roberto Mancini each collect €4 million ($4.7 m).
Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain, lifts the World Cup trophy.
Zidane lands eighth for France at €3.6 million ($4.2 m), with Xavi at €3 million ($3.5 m) for the Netherlands, placing a recent champion near the bottom of the elite ten.
Scaloni’s ranking surprises
Lionel Scaloni ranks tenth, earning €2.3 million ($2.7 m) for Argentina, a quarter of Ancelotti’s wage and far below peers whose teams have achieved less.
Transfermarkt’s highest‑paid national team coaches
Argentina’s cabinet shines: Copa América 2021, Finalissima 2022, World Cup 2022 and Copa América 2024, plus a 2026 World Cup final appearance under Scaloni.
Scaloni arrived in 2018 with little senior experience, so his first deal reflected that. Success has since exploded, yet his salary still lags far behind his decorated résumé.
Lionel Scaloni with the World Cup trophy
Scaloni could be due a major salary increase
The biggest question is whether the 48‑year‑old’s current deal truly reflects his value. A coach who has delivered four major senior trophies and reached another World Cup final, earning €2.3 million ($2.7 m), looks like an outlier.
His contract expires at the end of 2026, making his future a pivotal issue for Argentina. A renewal could finally bring his pay in line with his record.